Embosser



May 8, 1962 Filed March '7, 1960 c. PRIESMEYER EMBOSSER 4 Sheets-Sheet l 47 INVENTOR.

Char e5 Priafi y A TTOR/VE) May 8, 1962 c. PRIESMEYER EMBOSSER 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March '7, 1960 INVENTOR. CharZefi Pm esmeyer ATTORNEY y 1962 c. PRIESMEYER 3,033,106

EMBOSSER Filed March 7, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEZ y 8, 1962 c. PRIESMEYER 3,033,106

EMBOSSER Filed March 7, 1960 4 Sheqcs-Sheeo 4 Ff'GIlO A TTOR/VE Y United States Patent Office 3,033,106 Patented May 8, 1962 3,033,106 EMBOSSER Charles Priesmeyer, Park Ridge, Ill., assignor to Meyer & Wenthe, Inc., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Filed Mar. 7, 1960, Ser. No. 13,099 10 Claims. (Cl. 101-3) The present invention pertains to an embosser. More particularly it has to do with apparatus of the type which places a seal or other identifying impression upon documents and the like.

The placement of seals upon legal documents is an everyday occurrence. Indeed, in many offices a clerk may be kept busy doing nothing other than impressing an oflicial seal upon various papers. For example, in the Secretary of States office of any leading state, it is not unusual to find the necessity of placing the State Seal upon hundreds of documents in a short time. For years, it often has been customary to carry out this task by means of a hand opearted embosser. This is not only tedious, but is most time consuming for the personnel involved.

It is therefore a principle object of the present invention to provide improved apparatus for impressing a seal and the like upon a document automatically in response to placement of that document in position to receive the seal. Another object of the present invention is to provide such apparatus which is capable of embossing a large volume of articles in any given work period.

Because of the large volume of embossing encountered in present day activities as aforesaid, it is a further object of the present invention to provide apparatus of the foregoing character which is rugged and capable of operating without disablement for a long period of time.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus of the foregoing character which is compact and simple to operate.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide apparatus achieving the foregoing objects and advantages and in which provision is made to insure against repeated embossments of the same article.

An embosser constructed in accordance with the present invention includes embossing means with a drive linkage movable to actuate the embossing means. The apparatus further includes a motive power source together with a clutch coupled between the drive linkage and the source and upon engagement actuatingly moving the linkage. Means responsive to the insertion of an article within the embossing means engages the clutch and additional means responsive to one embossment of the article disengages the clutch.

The features of the invention which are believed to be new are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood, however, by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partially in cross section, illustrating one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are fragmentary views similar to FIG. 1 but with certain of the parts in different positions;

FIG. 4 is a view, partially in cross section, taken along line 44 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is .a fragmentary side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a portion of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are side elevational views similar to FIG. 5 but with the parts in different positions;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view, partly in cross-section, similar to FIG. 1 but depicting an embodiment alternative thereto;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary plan view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8 and with certain of the parts omitted for clarity; and

FIGS. 10 and 11 are fragmentary side elevational views, partially in cross-section, of the apparatus shown in FIG. 8 but with certain of the parts in different positions.

The apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 for purposes of illustrating the present invention includes a base 10 upon which is mounted a bifurcated frame 11, the split nature of frame 11 being most evident in FIG. 4. It will be evident upon reading the following description that the apparatus illustrated includes a number of identical pairs of elements with one member of each pair located in respective association with each of the two halves of frame 11, while the principles of the invention require but a single one of each such element. The purpose of this duplication of certain elements is simply one of insuring ruggedness of the apparatus, both by dividing the load between two like parts and by mechanically balancing the forces involved. The principles underlying the in vention may be understood by reference to the one-half of the assembly which is visible in FIG. 1.

Mounted on frame 11 are embossing means composed of a platen 12 and a die 13. Platen 12 is aflixed rigidly on frame 11 while die 13 is movably positioned over platen 12 by a resilient strap 14 having its end away from die 13 anchored to frame 11. In the usual document sealing application, platen 12 and die 13 have mating characters embossed upon their facing surfaces so that both are in fact dies. However, in order to facilitate explanation, the lower, rigid one of these members has been referred to as a platen. Strap 14 normally holds die 13 spaced from platen 12 by a distance suffi-' cient to accommodate the insertion between the die surfaces of a document 15 upon which a seal is to be im-' pressed.

A drive linkage is coupled to the embossing means in order -to effect embossing engagement of the latter. To this end, a lever or arm 17 is pivoted intermediate pins 18 and 19 on its opposite ends about a pin 20 secured to frame 11. A roller 21 on pin 18 rides against the back side of die 13. One end of a link 22 is carried by pin 19, the other end 23 of link 22 being secured by a pin 24 near the periphery of a disc 25. Disc 25 is rotatable about an axle 26 and upon rotation moves the drive linkage composed of lever 17 and link 22 to draw roller 21 back and forth across die 13, oscillating or reciprocating the latter into and out of embossing engagement with platen 12.

Also mounted on axle 26 is a clutch plate 28, thereby coaxial with disc 25, having a hole 29 near its periphery and alignable with an opening 30 (FIG. 4) near the periphery of disc 25. Clutch plate 28 is driven through gears 32 by a motor 33. For understanding the present invention, it may be assumed that motor 33 is continuously running, although it of course may be provided with a switch (not shown) which is opened to disable the entire apparatus.

Disc 25 is caused to rotate, and thereby effect embossing engagement between die 13 and platen 12 through the drive linkage 17-22, upon insertion of a pin 35 into hole 21 and opening 30. Pin 35 is carried by a C-shaped spring 36 secured at its ends 37 to the outward surface of disc 25, spring 36 urging pin 35 into coupling engage-T ment between disc 25 and clutch plate 28.

As shown in FIG. 1, spring 36 is held outwardly from the apparatus in a position withdrawing pin 35 from hole 29 by means of a cam surface 39 on one end of a lever 40 and engageable with a finger 41 projecting radially of disc 25 from spring 36. Lever 40 is pivoted inter-' mediate its ends upon a pin 42 and is urged into a posi- 3 tion placing cam surface 39 beneath finger 41 by a spring 42. Coupled to the other end of lever 40 by a pin 45 is the external end of a plunger 46 receivable within a solenoid 47.

Solenoid 47 is energizable by means of a switching circuit including a pair of contacts 49 afiixed on frame 11 on the other side of disc 25 from lever 40. Closure of contacts 49 acts to energize solenoid 47 and draw plunger 46 within the solenoid as the result of which lever 40 is rotated about pin 42 to move cam surface 39 from beneath finger 41.

Contacts 49 are normally open. To effect closure thereof, a switching lever 50 is pivoted intermediate its ends on a pin 51. On one end of lever 50 is a contact actuator block 52 disposed against one of contacts 49 and movable to engage the contacts upon movement of the other end 53 of lever 50 in a direction swinging block 52 counter-clockwise. Lever 50 includes a stub 54 projecting laterally beneath clutch plate 28 and which is of a length sutficient that its mass together with the remaining portions of lever 50 renders that lever evenly balanced, from a standpoint of inertia, about pin 51.

Lever 50 constitutes a part of means responsive to insertion of an article in the embossing means of die 13 and platen 12 to effect engagement of the clutch composed of disc 25 and clutch plate 28. Also forming a part of this means is a rod 55 carried on the side of frame 11 and bearing a shoulder 56 urgeable against a tab near end 53 of lever 50. The end of rod 55 remote from shoulder 56 is very lightly urged by a spring 57 against a stop 58 afiixed to frame 11. Also carried on rod 55 is a block 59 the upper end portion of which is disposed opposite the front or insertion sides of die 13 and platen 12. A guide finger 60 is affixed on top of block 59 and projects slightly upwardly and toward die 13 to insure engagement between the inserted document 15 and block 59.

As mentioned previously, the illustrated embodiment includes a duality of the elements associated with the driving mechanism. This is readily apparent from an inspection of FIG. 4 wherein like numbers on both sides of the apparatus refer to like elements. To obtain dual coaction, it is preferable that the external ends of solenoid plungers 46 be tied together by a bar 62. Disposed beneath motor 33 is a stub 63 abutting bar 62 at a position limiting outward movement of plungers 46 to insure against engagement of the end of lever 40 bearing cam surface 39 with clutch plate 28 or disc 25.

The apparatus further includes means responsive to one embossment of the article inserted between die 13 and platen 12 to prevent a repeated embossment on the inserted article. To this end, a lug 65, defining a cam surface, projects radially away from clutch plate 28. Mounted in the path of lug 65 is a cam follower surface 66 defined by an ear on stub 54 projecting outwardly of the apparatus. Camming of lug 65 on the follower 66 swings lever 50 in a direction moving block 52 away from contacts 49, opening the latter and de-energizing solenoid 46. Lug 65 is disposed on clutch plate 28 in a position spaced peripherally from hole 29 such that solenoid 47 is de-energized at a time, taking into account the inertia of the system, permitting movement of cam surface 39 just beneath finger 41 as the latter completes one revolution following energization of solenoid 47. In this manner, repeated embossment of the same article is prevented.

The operation may be reviewed by considering FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Initially, a document 15 is inserted between die 13 and platen 12. The document engages block 59 and thereby pushes rod 55 to swing lever 50 counter-clockwise effecting closure of contacts 49. Solenoid 47 is thereby energized to pull plunger 46 against the force of spring 43 and withdraw cam surface 39 from beneath spring finger 41. Pin 35 is thereby driven into hole 29 effecting engagement of the clutch. Thereupon disc 35 begins to rotate as the result of which the linkage composed of lever 17 and link 22 is moved to urge roller 21 against die 13 and move the latter into embossing engagement with platen 12. Just short of one complete revolution of disc 25, lug 65 engages cam follower 66 as the result of which lever is swung to permit opening of contacts 49 and result de-energization of solenoid 47. Spring 43 thereupon urges cam surface 39 into a position beneath the path of finger 41 in consequence of which the latter is cammed outwardly to withdraw pin 35 from hole 29 and the clutch is disengaged. At the same time, the driving end 53 of lever 50 is urged in a direction pushing block 59 against the inserted marginal edge of document 15 whereupon the latter is impelled outwardly from between platen 12 and die 13.

Contacts 49 are preferably mounted upon flexible contact blades permitting closure of the contacts with but a small movement of lever 50, but maintaining such contact throughout continued additional movement of this lever. In order to limit the amount of insertion of document 15 between die 13 and platen 12, an adjustable stop 67 is mounted upon frame 11. Stop 67 has a downwardly projecting finger 68 disposed in the path of document 15.

It will be appreciated that certain simplifications are possible with respect to the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. l4. For example, the inserted document 15 may directly engage the switching mechanism, eliminating rod and its associated components. To the latter end an alternative embodiment of a portion of the apparatus previously described is illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. As before, the apparatus includes disc 25 which is clutchingly engageable with a motive drive system. For simplification of illustration, FIGS. 5-7 do not include the clutch arrangement. However, lug projects from a clutch plate drivingly engageable with disc 25 as before. The alternative embodiment includes a different kind of switch contact assembly 49. In this instance, assembly 49' includes a contact leaf 70 bearing a contact 71 engageable with another contact 71 insulatingly supporting from frame 11. As before, closure of the contacts effects energization of solenoid 47.

Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. l-4, the alternative apparatus includes a switching lever 50' having a contact block 52' on one end engageable with contact assembly 49 to close the contacts. Switching lever 56' includes a laterally projecting stub 54 in order to provide inertial balance but in this instance omitting cam follower 66 of the previously described embodiment.

In this alternative embodiment, a sensing means 72 is coupled to the end of lever 50 opposite contact block 52 to detect insertion of document or article 15. Engagement of the latter against sensing means 72 swings lever 50' in a direction effecting closure of contacts 49'. Thus, sensing means 72 is in this alternative embodiment a substitute for the sensing means of the previously described embodiment including rod 55. As shown, sensing means 72 is part of a generally L- shaped lever 73 the short leg of which projects upwardly to dispose its free end 74 in the path of lug 65. Lever 73 is pinned intermediate its longer leg to end 53' of lever 58.

It will be observed that insertion of document 15 enables the latter to engage the sensing end 72 of lever 73 (FIG. 5) and push the lever rearwardly of the apparatus to pivot lever 50 and close contacts 49' (FIG. 6). In response thereto, the clutch mechanism is engaged whereupon disc 25 begins its cycle of rotation as depicted in FIG. 6; as explained with respect to FIGS. 1-4, this causes reciprocating engagement of die 13 with platen 12. Toward the end of one embossing cycle, lug 65 moves into camming engagement with end 74 of lever 73 whereupon the latter is urged downwardly and forwardly of the apparatus. In consequence, switching lever 50 is pivoted in a direction opening contacts 49' and thereby de-energizing the solenoid. In addition, sensing means 72 on the forward end of lever 73 is driven toward the front of the apparatus and also is tilted upwardly. This latter movement of sensing means 72 tends to urge document 15 slightly upwardly and off of the die characters on platen 12 as well as pushing the document outwardly. Any strong tendency of the document to remain in place on platen 12 results in movement of sensing extension 72 over and above the document whereupon the marginal edge of the latter is not creased or otherwise damaged.

Still another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 8 through 11. In these figures, the general principle of operation is much the same as that described above and for this reason like reference numenals have been utilized to indicate the parts which correspond substantially to those shown in the earlier figures. The modifications in this embodiment reside in the clutch mechanism and in the control linkage system. To indicate general similarity of certain parts to those previousy described, the same numeral is employed but with the prime symbol affixed.

As so modified and improved, the clutch mechanism includes a ratchet wheel 76 and pawl 77. Ratchet wheel 76 is pressed onto the transverse shaft carrying gear 32 coupled to the motive power source. Coaxially rotatable around ratchet wheel 76 is cup-shaped disc 25 in one side wall of which pawl 77 is pinned to rotate into and out of engagement with the radially projecting teeth in Wheel 76. A leaf spring 78 secured to disc 25 urges pawl 77 in a direction to engage the latter with wheel 76. When so engaged the free end portion 79 of pawl 77 projects outwardly beyond the side wall of disc 25' as shown in FIG. 10. When pawl 77 is in engagement with ratchet wheel 76, disc 25' rotates to actuate drive linkage l722 and effect embossing engagement of platen 12 and die 13 in the manner previously described.

Portion 79 and pawl 77 forms an abutment which performs a function generally similar to that of finger 41 in the embodiment of FIG. 2. Upon de-energization of solenoid 47, upper cam surface 39' on actuating lever 40 is disposed in the path of abutment 79 as the latter rotates with disc 25'. With the parts in the position shown in FIG. 8, surface 39' is in engagement with abutment 79 to hold pawl 77 withdrawn and disengaged from ratchet wheel 76 as a result of which the embossing apparatus is disabled. Upon energization of solenoid 47, lever 40' is swung about pin 42 and surface 39' is thereupon pulled away and disengaged from pawl 77 permitting the latter to be moved into engagement with wheel 76 under the urging of spring 78. Consequently, disc 25' rotates and moves linkage 17--22. and thereby moves die 13 against platen 12.

In order to positively insure against a second embossment of article 15, the second embodiment includes a switching link composed principally of a switch control arm 82 and a switching lever 83 which are coupled to a response link 81. Lever 83 swings horizontally about a pin 84 secured in frame 11 and has its upper end portion bent horizontally to overlie the operating button 85 of a micro-switch 86 mounted on the back side of frame 11 from lever 83. The latter has its lower end portion urged by a light spring 87 against a stop 88 to a position in which button 85 is extended and the micro-switch contacts are open. When closed, the micro-switch contacts energize solenoid 47. Arm 82 is pinned at one end to the lower end of lever 83 and is disposed generally horizontally to locate a shoulder 89 near its other end in the path of abutment 79 as disc 25 rotates. Arm 82 is freely carried within a channeled strap 90 secured to the side of frame 11. A spring 91 urges arm 82 upwardly within the channel in strap 90.

Response lever 81 is pinned at its upper end to frame 11 at a point 81 above arm 82 and projects beneath thelatter to dispose its other end in the path of a shoulder 56' on the end of rod 55. The latter carries a block 59' disposed in the path of an article, such as paper, inserted between die 13 and platen 12 for embossment. Lever 81 is biased by a spring 92 in a direction moving its free end against shoulder 56' but is movable to swing toward disc 25' and against a stop 93. A pin 94 projecting laterally outward from lever 81 is receivable within a notch 95 cut in the upper edge surface of arm 82.

For operation, the parts are initially disposed as depicted in FIG. 8. Upon insertion, article 15 contacts block 59 and moves rod 55 and its shoulder 56' to swing response lever 81 against stop 93. Upon such movement, pin 94 rides in notch 95 and moves arm 82 to the rear and further beneath disc 25'. Movement of arm 82 swings lever 83 about pin 84 to depress button 85, closing the contacts within micro-switch 86. Consequently, solenoid 47 is energized and lever 40' is swung outwardly to the position shown in FIG. 10.

Energization of solenoid 47 permits engagement of the clutch composed of pawl 77 and ratchet wheel 76 as a result of which disc 25' begins rotation and abutment 79 is moved outwardly of disc 25'. At this instant, shoulder 89 is in the path of abutment 79 whereupon the latter comes into engagement with shoulder 89 and swings that end of arm 82 downwardly to the position shown in FIG. 11. Movement of shoulder 89 downwardly disengages pin 94 from notch 95, permitting arm 82 to move forwardly under the urging of spring 87 upon lever 83. Button 85 is thereupon released to de-energize solenoid 47. Lever 40' then swings towards disc 25' to dispose cam surface 39' in the path of abutment 79. As the latter continues to move circumferentially with disc 25' it again comes into contact with cam surface 39' after completion of one complete revolution of the disc and, correspondingly, after one complete embossment of article 15. At such time, cam surface 39' depresses abutment 79 and thereby withdraws pawl 77 from ratchet wheel 76, disabling the embossing means.

Although disc 25' is thus permitted to complete one cycle and return to the initial position shown in FIG. 8, response lever 81 is still held against stop 93 by article 15 as a result of which pin 94, at this time riding on top of arm 82, holds arm 82 in the downward position shown in FIG. 11. Micro-switch 86 therefore is maintained in its open position and a second embossment of article 15 is prevented. Upon subsequent removal of article 15 from within the embossing means lever 81 is permitted, under the urging of spring 92, to swing away from stop 93 and again dispose pin 94 within notch 95. Only then is the entire switching linkage once again conditioned to respond to the presence of a second article 15 and again effectuate the embossing cycle.

The apparatus described has already found splendid response by users faced with the problem of placing a seal upon numerous documents in the course of the normal work day. As explained, it is altomatically responsive to the insertion of an article to be embossed and upon such insertion quickly effects the embossment while yet preventing a re-embossment upon the same inserted article or document. From a structural standpoint, it may be assembled with standard or otherwise easily fabricated components. In use, its mechanical movements are sufficiently simple and straightforward to insure lasting durability with a minimum of maintenance.

7 While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is apparent that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The aim of the appended claims therefore, is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. An embosser comprising: a platen; a die; means mounting said die and platen with one movable into embossing engagement with the other; a disc mounted to rotate peripherally and having an opening near its periphery; a drive linkage pinned at one end near the periphery of said disc; means coupled to the other end of said drive linkage and engageable with said one of said die and platen, rotation of said disc reciprocating said die and platen into and out of embossing engagement; a motive power source; a clutch plate rotatable coaxially with said disc and coupled to said source with said plate having a hole alignable with said opening; a clutch pin movable into said hole in the opening; means responsive to insertion of an article between said die and platen to effect insertion of said pin into said hole and opening; and means responsive to one embossment of said article to ef fect withdrawal of said pin from said hole.

2. An embosser comprising: a platen; a die; means mounting said die and platen with one movable into embossing engagement with the other; a drive linkage engageable with said one of said die and platen and movable to embossingly engage said one with the other; a motive power source; a clutch coupled between said linkage and said source and upon engagement actuatingly moving said linkage; a normally engaged clutch operator; an arm pivotally mounted intermediate its ends with a cam surface on one end disposed to move said operator to an inactive position disengaging said clutch; a solenoid having a plunger pinned to the other end of said arm and when energized pulling said plunger to withdraw said cam sur face from said operator, engaging said clutch; means responsive to insertion of an article between said die and platen to energize said solenoid; and means responsive to one embossment of said article to deenergize said solenoid.

3. An embosser comprising: embossing means; a drive linkage coupled to said embossing means and movable to actuate the latter; a motive power source; a clutch coupled between said linkage and said source and upon engagement actuatingly moving said linkage, said clutch having a cam surface movable during clutch engagement; a solenoid having a plunger; means coupling said plunger to said clutch, energization of said solenoid moving said plunger in a direction effecting engagement of said clutch; switch circuit means including a pair of normally open contacts closable to energize said solenoid; a switching lever pivoted intermediate its ends with one end positioned to close said contacts upon movement of its other end in response to insertion of an article within said embossing means; and means defining a cam follower coupled to said switching lever and engageable by said cam surface subsequent to engagement of said clutch and prior to a second embossing engagement of said embossing means, camming of said cam follower moving said switch lever in a direction opening said contacts.

4. An embosser comprising: A platen, a die, means mounting said die and platen with one movable into embossing engagement with the other; a disc mounted to rotate peripherally and having an opening near its periphery; a drive linkage pinned at one end near the periphcry of said disc; means coupled to the other end of said drive linkage and engageable with said one of said die and platen, rotation of said disc reciprocating said die and platen into and out of embossing engagement; a motive power source; a clutch plate rotatable coaxially with said disc and coupled to said source with said plate having a hole alignable with said opening and having a radially projecting lug; a clutch pin movable into said hole and opening; switch circuit means including a pair of normally opened contacts; means responsive to closing of said contacts for moving said clutch pin into said hole and opening; a switching lever pivoted intermediate its ends with one end positioned to close said contacts upon movement of its other end in response to insertion of an article between said die and plate; and a cam follower affixed to said switching lever and disposed in the path of said lug, engagement of said lug and cam follower swinging said lever to open said contacts.

5. An embosser comprising: embossing means; a drive linkage coupled to said embossing means and movable to actuate the latter; a motive power source; a clutch coupled between said linkage and said source and upon engagement actuatingly moving said linkage, said clutch having a cam surface movable during clutch engagement; a solenoid having a plunger; means coupling said plunger to said clutch, energization of said solenoid moving said plunger in a direction effecting engagement of said clutch; switch circuit means including a pair of normally open contacts closable to energize said solenoid; a switching lever pivoted intermediate its ends with one end positioned to close said contacts upon movement of its other end; sensing means aiiixed to said other end engageable with an article inserted between said embossing means to swing said switching lever and close said contacts; and means defining a cam follower coupled to said switching lever and engageable by said cam surface subsequent to engagement of said clutch and prior to a second embossing engagement of said embossing means, camming of said cam following moving said switch lever in a direction opening said contacts and moving said sensing means in a direction up and over the inserted article.

6. An embosser comprising: a frame; a platen aflixed to said frame; a die mounted on said frame in a position over said platen and movable toward embossing engagement therewith; a driving lever pivotally mounted to swing one of its ends against said die and move the latter toward said platen; a disc mounted to rotate peripherally and having an opening near its periphery; a link pinned at one end near the periphery of said disc and at the other end to the other end of said lever, rotation of said disc effecting oscillation of said lever; a clutch plate rotatable coaxially with said disc and having a hole alignable with said opening; a clutch pin receivable within said hole and opening; resilient means urging said pin into said hole and opening and having a finger projecting radially with respect to said plate and disc and carrying said pin; an arm pivotally mounted intermediate its ends with a cam surface on one end disposed to swing beneath said finger and disengage said pin from said hole; a solenoid having a plunger pinned to the other end of said lever and when energized pulling said plunger to move said cam surface away from said finger; switch circuit means including normally-open contacts closable to energize said solenoid; a switching lever pivoted intermediate its ends with one end positioned to close said contacts and having a laterally projecting stub bearing a cam follower surface located adjacent the periphery of said clutch plate; a movable block engageable with an article inserted between said die and platen; a rod affixed between said block and the other end of said switching lever, movement of said block by said article swinging said lever and closing said contact; a lug projecting from said clutch plate in a position to engage and force said cam surface in a direction moving said switching-lever one end away from said contacts prior to completion of one revolution of said disc following closure of said contacts.

7. An embosser comprising: a platen; a die; means mounting said die and platen with one movable into embossing engagement with the other; a disc mounted to rotate peripherally; a drive linkage pinned at one end near the periphery of said disc; means coupled to the other end of said drive linkage and engageable with said one of said die and platen, rotation of said disc reciprocating said die and platen into and out of embossing engagement; a motive power source; a ratchet wheel rotatable coaxially with said disc and drivingly coupled to said source; a pawl carried by said disc and movable into engagement with said wheel enabling the latter to drive said disc; means responsive to insertion of an article between said die and platen to effect engagement of said pawl with said wheel; and means responsive to one embossment of said article to disengage said pawl from said wheel.

8. An embosser comprising: a platen; a die; means mounting said die and platen with one movable into embossing engagement with the other; a disc mounted to rotate peripherally; a drive linkage pinned at one end near the periphery of said disc; means coupled to the other end of said drive linkage and engageable with said of one said die and platen, rotation of said disc reciprocating said die and platen into and out of embossing engagement; a motive power source; a ratchet wheel rotatable coaxially with said disc and d'rivingly coupled to said source; a pawl carried by said disc and movable into engagement with said wheel enabling the latter to drive said disc; means tending to bias said pawl into engagement with said wheel; actuating means engageable with said pawl to disengage it from said wheel; means responsive to insertion of an article between said die and platen to disengage said actuating means from said pawl, enabling engagement of the latter with said wheel; and means responsive to one embossment of said article to eifect engagement of said actuating means with said pawl and consequent disengagement of the latter from said wheel.

9. An embosser comprising: embossing means; a drive linkage coupled to said embossing means and movable to actuate the latter; a motive power source; a clutch coupled between said linkage and said source and upon engagement actuatingly moving said linkage; a clutch operator; actuating means coupled to said clutch operator and actuable to effect engagement of said clutch; a switch closable to actuate said actuating means; a switching linkage responsive to energization of an article within said embossing means to close said switch enabling clutch engagement and a first embossment of said article and further responsive to continued repose of said article within said embossing means after one embossment to open said switch and de-actuate said actuating means prior to a second embossment of said article.

10. An embosser comprising: embossing means; a drive linkage coupled to said embossing means and movable to actuate the latter; a motive power source; a clutch coupled between said linkage and said source and upon engagement actuatingly moving said linkage; a clutch operator; actuating means coupled to said clutch operator and actuable to effect engagement of said clutch; a switch closable to actuate said actuating means; a switching link movable to close said switch enabling clutch engagement and a first embossment of an article disposed within said embossing means and further responsive to one embossment thereof to open said switch; and a response link coupled to said switching link and responsive to insertion of said article within said embossing means to move said switching link to close said switch and further responsive to continued repose of said article within said embossing means after one embossment to retain said switching link in a position with said switch open.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,523,430 Hearn Sept. 26, 1950 2,607,421 Anderson Apr. 19, 1952 2,706,448 Priesmeyer Apr. 19, 1955 

